MASTERING THE ART OF SAYING NO TO UNSOLICITED WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE!

There’s no denying that your family can definitely be helpful members of the #bridesquad, especially since they are the ones who usually provide you with the emotional support (listening to bridezilla tantrums included) you need until the wedding day actually arrives. 

However, it’s safe to say that even our favorite aunts, sisters, and BFFS can have their shortcomings when it comes to your wedding day, especially when it comes to dispensing ‘advice’ on how you should plan your own wedding. Sigh. 

And sure, you may not want to tell your mother (or doting Aunt Dorothy) to back off about tweaking the reception seating chart once again over Thanksgiving dinner. However, being a bride also means finding your own voice (even if you are afraid of confrontation), and sometimes this includes letting the fam (besties included!) know that you’re just not that into their planning advice. 

But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to become a ragey bride monster either, as being kindly assertive about your wedding plans from the beginning of your wedding announcement can easily prevent any ugly family brawls or feelings of anger and anxiety. After all, you'll want to remember that this day is for and all about the bride, making it not selfish to put your own needs and desires first. 

Photo by: The Day Collective by Ira Lippke Studios

And even if your super-generous in-laws happen to be paying for the wedding of your dreams, you’ll definitely want to remember that this does not mean that you and your fiancé have to do everything to please mom and dad. Sure, the idea of wearing your mother-in-law’s wedding dress may seem nice, but never feel like you are obligated to wear it, especially if doesn’t fit your bridal style whatsoever. 

But if you’ve got some stubborn relatives who just won’t back down without a fight, remember that your ‘fairy god planner’ is here to help. However, it’s helpful to be upfront with your planner in the beginning stages of the planning about who could potentially cause the most problems, and who to look out for. This helps to ensure that the planner is aware and ready for any kind of drama (or meltdowns!) that can occur.

Whether you get too many bridesmaid dress recommendations from your cousin, or your future sister-in-law won’t stop bugging you about concerns about the dinner menu, the big takeaway here to remember is that it’s important to set boundaries with any loved ones from the beginning. Always make it clear from the beginning that the wedding is about what you both want as the couple, instead of what is best for everyone else. After all, being a bride means you definitely deserve to have your cake and eat too. 

Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

Ciao!

Björn VW

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